Kunming Travel Guide and City Tours

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, also known as the ‘spring city’. Because situated on a 1.2 -mile high plateau and enjoys a protected location, with mountains to the north, east and west, it has a mild climate; with an average temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, making it spring all year round. If you decide to travel Yunnan, Kunming should be your first place for a stop.

Where is Kunming?

As the capital city of Yunnan province, Kunming is located in the center of Yunnan, skirted on three sides by mountains and with one side opening onto Dianchi Lake. There are about 6million people living in the city with different ethnic cultures and religions.

Highlights of Kunming

Stone Forest

Located in the southeast of Kunming, Stone Forest is 86 km away from the city center. With the process of erosion, it was created and shaped an art gallery of stone sculpture. The Stone Forest consists of thousands of narrow, weirdly-shaped rocks towering up to a height of between 5 and 30m, scattered over an area of over 400sq.km. 200acres of this area are open to visitors. Stone Forest it is known as the “First Wonder of the World ". There is a local saying ‘It’s a waste of time without being in the stone Forest when you travel in Kunming. When you arrive at Stone Forest, you will be astonished at the unique peaks and strange caves, the flying-down mountain spring, and the plateau lake. This amazing karst landscape will make you lost in wonder.

West Hill

Located in the west suburbs of Kunming city, and 15km away from the city center, West Hill and Jinma Hill are separated by the Dianchi Lake, and face to each other across a large distance. It contains the Huating Hill, Taihua Hill and Luohan Hill, extending a distance of more than 40 kilometers at an altitude of between 1900 meters to 2350 meters above sea level. West Hill is very beautiful with lush vegetation, blooming flowers, green grass and tranquil surroundings. West Hill has enjoyed great fame for its beautiful and unique natural scenery since ancient time and was renowned as “the most beautiful place in Yunnan".

Dragon Gate

Dragon Gate，also called Datiange, which is a temple eyrie on the side of a sheer cliff Arhat Peak. It’s an ideal place to get some idea of how magnificent the sights are. Standing at the Dragon Gate, you can enjoy the beauty of the vast Dianchi Lake. It was said, "Once on the Dragon Gate, your fortune will be made."

Transportation of Kunming

By Air

Kunming Wujiaba International Airport (KMG) is located 4kms south-east of Kunming, which built in 1923, and have been renovated numerous times into a modern facility. It boasts several international routes, domestic routes from most big cities and the routes to the other cities in Yunnan province.

In Kunming, another international airport named Kunming Xiaoshao International Airport is under construction and will be completed the project at the end of 2011. Kunming Xiaoshao International Airport located 20 km away from the city center, covers an area of 587,000square km which next to Beijing Capital International Airport.

By Train

As the key of railway artery in Yunnan province, Kunming Railway Station links to most of the major cities of China, even links to Vietnam, Laos and so on.

Shopping in Kunming

Kunming’s also a good place for tourists shopping. It offers lots of local products and some handcrafts.

Puer Tea Ceremony

When in Kunming, you will find tea shops everywhere selling Puer tea throughout the whole city. Puer tea is Yunnan’s famous tea that said to reduce inflammation, aid digestion, reduce cholesterol and even help people lose weight.

Jade Shopping

Such as Colorful Yunnan Shopping Center and Cui Yuan Xian Jade Shop and so on.

Silk Shop

Dibao Silk Shop

Handicraft

Boyitan Minority Culture Museum (minority embroidery)

And you also can explore some local market, such as Nanyao Market and Flowers and Birds Market.